Sydney FC players celebrate after a Filip Holosko goal against Adelaide on Boxing Day. The Sky Blues are undefeated so far this season but face a stern test tomorrow night against the Brisbane Roar.JAMES ELSBY

Form of 'ruthless' Sydney no surprise to Roar boss

FOOTBALL: Something has to give but both Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold and his Brisbane Roar counterpart John Aloisi reckon their team has what it takes to win the big clash at Allianz Stadium tomorrow night.

Sydney will put its record 12-game unbeaten run on the line against the Roar, while Aloisi's men will have plenty of confidence, having not been defeated since the round-two loss at the Newcastle Jets.

Arnold was full of confidence after his team scored four goals for the second straight game - both away from home - against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on Boxing Day.

With Filip Holosko, Alex Brosque and Bobo all among the goals, Arnold knows just what his side is capable of and he hailed the ruthlessness shown by his players as they put the A-League's bottom club to the sword.

He was sure his team could reproduce that performance against the Roar tomorrow.

"We've been ruthless,” Arnold said after the defeat of the Reds.

"When you have competition for places and the key indicator is performance, then the players will push each other and it's a joy to watch.

"We've got a tough game on Friday night against Brisbane Roar and we will put on (another) performance like that.”

Aloisi was full of praise for Sydney's start to the season but he wasn't shocked by what the Sky Blues had already achieved this season.

"They are very well organised and are good going forward,” the Roar coach told The Courier-Mail.

"They had a good team last season as well but the difference this season is their confidence.”

Aloisi believed his team could benefit from a week's rest following its 1-1 draw with Western Sydney and could take advantage of its opponent's tougher Christmas schedule.

"Sydney's turnaround is much shorter and it was pretty hot in Adelaide,” he said.

"I'm sure they will make a few changes to freshen themselves up, but either way we're confident if beating them.

"We're getting better with each game as the season goes on and this is a great chance for us to show what we can do.”

Arnold was not worried about the fixture pile-up, however, saying earlier this week: "We have the fittest team in the country - I truly believe that.”